Spherical and Orbital Paradigm were chosen by the European Space Agency for the In-Space Proof-of-Concept 3 activity, focusing on advanced autonomy for space transportation. The award ceremony was held in Paris, bringing together around 150 in-person attendees and 200 more online.
InSPoC-3 represents the third milestone in ESA's in-space transportation roadmap, designed to demonstrate key enabling capabilities for on-board and shared intelligence, culminating in an in-orbit demonstration.
The demonstration builds on two previously acquired capabilities — in-orbit rendezvous and docking, and in-orbit refuelling — while adding spacecraft intelligence features for reusable space tugs.
Future space tugs must be long-lasting, remotely serviceable vehicles performing multiple missions throughout their lifecycle, operating safely between docking operations, collaborating with numerous targets, and functioning as coordinated fleets. Spherical and Orbital Paradigm will develop concepts across three domains: on-board autonomy and reconfigurability; on-board safety and longevity; and shared intelligence for advanced cooperation in space.
InSPoC-3 aims to identify, construct, and advance technologies addressing challenges within each domain of on-board and shared intelligence.